Not of this World Wednesday: July 17, 2013

Not of this World Wednesday! Yep, I have been struggling with what kind of posts I wanted to really invest in on Wednesdays here on the blog. By devoting each day to something in particular, it gives me variety that makes writing and sharing interesting again. Today, is no different! I am actually pretty excited to share what is on my heart, and what I have been highly convicted of as of late.

I am not of this world. If you believe in God Almighty, and Jesus Christ ~ you shouldn't be either.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

Amazing is it not? We are commanded to NOT be the same as the world, for if we are it is hard to distinguish the difference in lifestyles.  Yes, Jesus went out into the world and hung in places that unbelievers hung. I have heard it said by believers and non believers alike ~ "if we want to touch them, we have to be with them.". I do not necessarily believe that. Wonder why? Jesus was a lot stronger then any of us can be. He lived a pure life, and did not give in to temptation. He was on a solid path, and did NOT want to have any one's approval other then God's. We, on the other hand are often tempted too much by being IN the world ~ and end up living as if we belong to it. We find ourselves in over our head in debt, having countless addictions, acting prim and proper at church, yet remaining as if we were never changed once we are outside those doors. Wives ruling over their husbands, spouses addicted to pornography, relying on drugs and alcohol to numb their hurt and pain, shame and faults.  How is this different then a non believer? In some ways, it's worse! One who has heard the Word of God and claimed to accept and believe it, yet not living a life that is different then someone who has never heard or chose NOT to believe is being hypocritical. At one point we have a choice to make. Live transformed and often rejected by the people of this world or ... continue in sin just like a non believer. God speaks highly against those who live such a hypocritical life. Here, maybe this will explain.

 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister^(Believer) but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.1 Corinthians 5:11 NIV

This specifically speaks about not hanging with believers who are living of this world. It doesn't mean not loving them, praying for them, and even trying to encourage them. It does mean to be careful and tread lightly because too often we are influenced by what we hang around!

As a mom, I have an important job. Not only do I have to be careful in how I lead my life, I must be watchful over our children. I have two preteen boys and one teenage girl. That teenager has been used by God to show me a much clearer path not only for her, but for me as well. She is 13. She does have a phone ~ and it has proved to be beneficial to us as a family for her to have it. Up until a few months ago, she was able to have whatever apps she wanted on it. That has since changed. She is no longer allowed to have any social media apps on her phone. No chatting, And can I tell you ~ I have a 13 year old girl again! Her attitude has changed, she LOVES her life (at one point it was sad how much she didn't even like about it), and she is enjoyable to be around. I praise God for His leading! I went against the grain, and I am glad i did.

I am learning what "selfish ambition" (look for more on that Sunday) is, and how it has really effected so much of my life. How selfish are we, this world we live in? Selfish, self focused and very sad! I don't want to be of this world. Sounds like I may be lonely, but I have a feeling even being alone will not be as lonely as it is when trying to fit in the world in which I wasn't created for!